UB Classic

What is Upward Bound?

Upward Bound is a federally funded program through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and is sponsored by the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). The program is designed to help prepare high school students for success in postsecondary education free of charge.

The goal of UB is to provide assistance to eligible high school students who demonstrate potential to succeed in college. Eligible participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be economically disadvantaged, and be a potential first generation to college student.

Mission Statement

The Upward Bound Classic Programs at Cal Poly

Pomona are designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school among low‐income and potential first‐generation college students who are enrolled in Montclair High School, Ontario High School, Garey High School, Pomona High School, Village Academy High School, Chino High School, and Don Antonio Lugo High School. UB assists students in successful completion of high school and entry into postsecondary education by accomplishing program goals and objectives. All services and activities are offered and provided at no cost to participants or their families. Each program component is geared to assist students to become (1) more informed of the educational, social, and cultural opportunities available at postsecondary institutions, (2) acquaint participants with the range of career options available to them, (3) assist students in developing and implementing effective life skills, and (4) assist students in successfully gaining admittance and being retained at postsecondary institutions.

Student Participants

A total of 215 students participate in this year‐round program. High school students are selected from target high school sites as part of the mission statement. Students participate until their high school graduation. Once students gain admission to a postsecondary institution of their choice, UB connects students with post‐secondary programs that help to retain students in college until graduation. All students are tracked for up to 6 years after high school graduation or until they successfully complete a postsecondary education degree program of study.

Funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Education from 2012‐2017 in the amount of $4,491,775.00.

UB Chino Valley: $250,000 annually

UB North: $356,350 annually

UB South: $292,005 annually

*Upward Bound Programs have been sponsored on the Cal Poly Pomona Campus since 1995

As part of the Pre‐College Institute/TRIO Programs, Upward Bound Classic Programs comprise of three out of six U.S. Department of Education funded pre‐college opportunities available from Cal Poly Pomona.